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Board approves first reading to add kiteboarding, double‑red flags and new penalty language to beach ordinances
Summary
The board approved changes to beach safety and parking ordinances that add exceptions for kiteboarding and bodyboarding with fins under double‑red‑flag conditions and add criminal‑penalty language required by state law; the changes were approved for first reading and will return for a second reading before taking effect.
The Board approved ordinance amendments affecting ocean safety and beach parking on first reading April 21. The changes were presented at staff request based on input from ocean‑rescue personnel and public safety staff.
Key changes include: - When beaches display double red flags (conditions unsafe for swimming), the draft ordinance clarifies that surfing, kiteboarding and bodyboarding with fins are permitted only when participants follow lifeguard or law‑enforcement orders and meet specified safety conditions (for surfers this previously required a leash; kiteboarding and bodyboarding with fins were added to the exception). - The ordinance adds a civil penalty provision and integrates criminal penalty language into the code text where required by state legislation (Senate Bill 300) so the county’s enforcement authority is explicit in the local code. The amendments cap certain fines consistent with state limits.
The board approved the amendments on their first reading and discussed placing the second reading on a special meeting agenda so that updated beach rules would be in place for the upcoming beach season; staff will advertise the second reading and all required notices.
Why it matters: The changes aim to provide clearer rules for ocean rescue and to align local code with recent state law about how criminal penalties are integrated into local ordinances. Lifeguards and public safety staff recommended adding kiteboarding language and an explicit double‑red‑flag designation.
Next steps: Staff will schedule the required second reading (advertised according to law) and coordinate public notices and signage updates for beach flags and permitted activities.
